Photo courtesy of Absolute Beer
Anheuser-Busch is expanding its investment in American agriculture through a new $80,000 grant to Grand Farm, a North Dakota-based agricultural innovation hub focused on developing practical solutions for farmers.
The funding will support research and on-farm trials designed to help producers improve efficiency, strengthen soil health, and increase crop productivity. A key component of the project will focus on barley production in North Dakota, a crop that plays an important role in the brewing industry and the regional agricultural economy.
The grant builds on Anheuser-Busch’s long-standing relationship with U.S. agriculture. The company says it sources 100 percent of the barley, rice, and corn used in its beers from more than 700 American farmers across the country. Company officials say supporting farm innovation is critical to maintaining a resilient domestic supply chain while helping producers navigate economic and environmental challenges.
Through the partnership, Grand Farm will conduct field-scale research and testing aimed at identifying new technologies and management practices that can deliver measurable benefits for growers. The work will focus on improving crop productivity and quality, helping farmers manage input costs more effectively, and strengthening soil health through sustainable farming practices.
The investment also highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in advancing agricultural innovation. By connecting producers, researchers, technology developers, and industry partners, Grand Farm works to accelerate the adoption of new tools and practices that can improve farm profitability and long-term sustainability.
Anheuser-Busch first partnered with Grand Farm in 2024 as part of its broader efforts to support American agriculture. The collaboration aligns with the company’s ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening rural communities and supporting the farmers who supply key ingredients used in beer production.
Company leaders say the latest funding represents another step in their commitment to investing in local economies and helping farmers remain competitive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. The grant is expected to support projects that not only benefit North Dakota growers but also generate insights that could be applied by farmers across other regions of the country.
The announcement comes as producers continue to face challenges ranging from rising input costs and market uncertainty to weather-related risks. Supporters of the initiative say investments in research, technology, and on-farm innovation will be increasingly important in helping agriculture meet future demands while maintaining productivity and environmental stewardship.
By funding research and testing through Grand Farm, Anheuser-Busch says it is reinforcing its more than 165-year commitment to American agriculture and the farmers who remain essential to its business and the nation’s food and beverage supply chain.
